Rising with the Tides in East Palo Alto

Sea levels are on the rise all over the globe, including on our local shorelines. In California we have a shared responsibility to understand and react to the impacts sea level rise is bringing to our shores before our low lying streets flood at high tide. Communities situated on low lying shallow beaches will suffer more direct effects of sea level rise before inland areas. In the Bay Area, much of our bayshore is at risk for flooding, especially the City of East Palo Alto.

Our work in East Palo Alto engages volunteers to create native habitat that is resilient to rising tides while educating the next generation on the effects of sea level rise. We focus our habitat restoration efforts at Cooley Landing, a unique shoreline park that once served as a county dump, that is now a haven of native plants humming with life. Located on a low-lying peninsula that is surrounded by wetlands, Cooley Landing is also a great space to learn about sea level rise firsthand.

Want to learn more about what sea level rise looks like at Cooley Landing and what we are doing to adapt? Explore some of the links below:

1. Sea Level Rise Lessons for Elementary Students

Our lesson plans for Kindergarten through 5th grade explore what our future shorelines will look like, and what that means for even its smallest of residents like the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse.

2. Restoring our Wetlands for a Changing Climate

Learn from our Assistant Director Junko Bryant how restoring wetlands and their surrounding ecosystems can protect communities from sea level rise.

3. Youth Exploring Sea Level Rise Science (YESS)

Our virtual field trip at Cooley Landing was developed in collaboration with San Mateo County’s YESS program, which we usually provide to students in person. Now available online, we hope to bring this learning experience to even more students. Teachers can also sign up to receive the full YESS program for their students.

Part 1
Part 2

Be sure to also check out a recent article by KQED highlighting the actions East Palo Alto residents are taking to prepare for sea level ride, “Sea Levels Are Rising in the Bay — and East Palo Alto Is on the Front Lines”, featuring our friend and partner Violet Wulf-Saena, Founder and Executive Director of Climate Resilient Communities.

By Emily Repech, Communications and Development Coordinator